It is normal for high school students to feel unsure about choosing a major. However, there’s no need to worry too much, as most American universities adopt a "General Education" system. Students don’t have to feel pressured to decide on a major before entering college. During their first two years, they take general education courses, which allow them to explore their interests. By the third year, they choose a major and begin to delve deeply into a specific field of study.  

 

What is General Education？

General Education originates from the diversity of American culture and the variety of its educational models. It is a defining feature of the U.S. university curriculum. Nearly all U.S. universities require students to complete general education courses as part of earning a bachelor’s degree. The purpose of these courses is to provide students with a broad base of knowledge, helping them unlock their potential and apply what they’ve learned to enrich their lives. 

 

General Education Course Content

Each university in the U.S. varies in the design, teaching methods, and credit requirements for general education courses. Typically, students are required to take a diverse set of general education courses each semester. The aim is to cultivate a well-rounded learning experience and broaden their perspectives. Below are the main categories of general education courses: 

 

1. English and Literature

English courses ensure students grasp fundamental educational skills and enhance their comprehension through language and literature. From practicing writing to appreciating world literature, these courses allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the world. 

Common Subjects: English Literature, Composition or Writing, Analyzing & Interpreting Literature. 

 

2. Mathematics

Even for students not pursuing a math-related major, it’s essential to have basic math knowledge to interpret and understand research results. 

Common Subjects：College Algebra, Principles of Statistics, Business Math. 

 

3. Science

Science courses help students develop logical thinking skills. From scientific knowledge to scientific reasoning, these courses teach students how to ask questions, think critically, and solve problems. 

Common Subjects：Introduction to Biology, General Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics I. 

 

4. Social Science

Social science courses aim to help students build good interaction and relationship skills with others in society. 

Common Subjects：Introduction to Sociology, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to World Religions. 

 

5. Humanities

Through the study of humanities and history, students gain insight into cultural development and refine their critical thinking by exploring past human experiences and envisioning the future. 

Common subjects: U.S. History, Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East through 1648, Western Civilization II: 1648 to Today, Introduction to Philosophy. 

 

6. Arts

Art courses cultivate students’ artistic literacy, encouraging them to use their senses, imagination, and creativity to engage with diverse cultural art forms. 

Common subjects: Intro to Music, Art of the Western World, Modern Dance I.

 

7. Foreign Language

Mastering a second language beyond English helps students understand global cultures, expand their international perspective, and develop new communication skills. Many universities offer courses in languages such as Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Japanese. For international students from Taiwan, their native fluency in Chinese and prior high school language courses often fulfill foreign language requirements, so they typically don’t need to take additional language classes. 

 

Top Universities and General Education

Harvard College

The preface of Harvard’s General Education Red Book states that the goal of Harvard’s general education is to cultivate the "Whole Person," defined as a "Good Person + Responsible Citizen + Useful Individual." Even today, the Harvard General Education Red Book remains one of the ten most influential works on American education. Over nearly a century, Harvard has developed its teaching philosophy based on a “Core Curriculum,” serving as a global model for general education that nurtures students' knowledge, skills, values, and responsibilities comprehensively. 

Click to learn more about Harvard College

 

Brown University

Unlike other universities’ core curricula or course distribution requirements, Brown University offers students the freedom to explore various disciplines. Students can skip courses they dislike and devote more time to subjects they’re passionate about. All courses can be taken on a pass/fail basis, and failed courses do not appear on transcripts. However, because of the university’s minimal regulations, students must take more responsibility for planning their educational journey. To support this, every first- and second-year student is assigned an academic advisor who regularly discusses their academic progress and plans, encouraging exploration across disciplines. 

Click to learn more about Brown University

 

General education enables students to develop diverse potential alongside their chosen fields of study, embodying the spirit of holistic and lifelong education. 

 

閱讀中文版文章：博雅教育的體現：美國通識教育 (General Education)

Contact Us for High School Counseling & College Application Guidance